There are few (if any) ways to replace in-person educational opportunities in a hands-on profession such as soccer coaching. It's the basis of NSCAA courses to join together theory and practical knowledge to better leaders of the game.

As stated by course candidate Rhys Lloyd in a recent NSCAA.com article: "The best part of the NSCAA process is being able to have the ball at your feet and play. [... It's] a great way to learn how to become a better coach.”

After completing a course, or attending Convention or the Summer Symposium, there are ways to supplement those experiences using some of the online assets provided by the NSCAA and its partners. If you have a position already, utilizing these resources is an easy way to stay current and fresh with what's going on in the industry.

If you're a job hunter, using these resources, and perhaps listing them on your resume, can show a potential employer that you are active in the profession while searching for a permanent position.

Alison Farmer, vice president of learning and development at Aquent, noted in a recent OnlineCollegeCourses.com article that listing your online education courses could show "that someone is curious, interested in self-improvement and engaged with their professional development — all of which are great attributes to share with a prospective employer."

Here are a few online education opportunities through the NSCAA to consider some using. You can find a complete listing at the Online Education page.

Videos and Presentations

In addition to its courses, the NSCAA and its staff periodically hosts live webinars and chats, or makes available presentations and videos from previous events.

Interactive Presentations
Instructional Videos
Coaching Academy Curriculum Material
Live Video Chats
Youth Soccer Webinars

Online Resource Library

The Online Resource Library is your source for easy-to-find training sessions and coaching advice articles to help you develop your training sessions based on any topic you choose. A wide range of topics from group defending and small sided games to attacking and finishing are available. A video database feature has recently been added as a feature of this database. [+] Browse the Online Resource Library

Tactical Situation Tests ("Quizzies")

In the spring of 1988, German coach T.K. Trapp administered a 30-question quiz that he had designed to a group of U.S. National Staff coaches. The objective of the test was to examine and make the correct tactical decisions in each of the diagrammed situations.  

The NSCAA offers a portion of these "Quizzies" as an online resource for coaches and players to help develop their situational awareness and decision-making skills. [+] Try some Tactical Situation Tests

Soccer Diet

Dr. Jay Williams, has joined with Robin Russell of Sports Path to develop this simple interactive online learning course and ongoing community. Williams is a professor of Exercise Science in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise at Virginia Tech and is the author of "The Science behind Soccer Nutrition." He also has a long history of working with athletes ranging from kindergarten soccer players to Olympic tracks and field athletes. [+] Learn More

Fundamentals of Coaching Soccer Online Course

The NSCAA and the National Federation of High School Associations have teamed up to create an online course titled the Fundamentals of Coaching Soccer. This introductory course is perfect for high school and youth coaches who want to establish a solid foundation of coaching knowledge. The interactive course features an engaging interface that incorporates audio, video and text to teach essential soccer coaching techniques and methods. [+] Learn more and sign up

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